Agenda item

a)      3/13/0279/FP – Recommended for Approval.

b)      3/13/0280/LB – Recommended for Approval.

The Director of Neighbourhood Services recommended that, in respect of applications 3/13/0279/FP and 3/13/0280/LB, planning permission and listed building consent be granted respectively subject to the conditions detailed in the report now submitted.

Councillor N Symonds, as the local ward Member, stated that the units on the top floor at Millers Three had been empty for some time.  She also commented that there was no car parking available on this site. 

Councillor Symonds referred to the site as being part of a thriving business area with numerous small businesses such as cafes and takeaways.  She stated that the applications should be refused on the grounds of insufficient car parking provision. 

Councillor Symonds referred to the proximity of two nearby dance schools and her concerns regarding the additional traffic posing a danger to the children using those facilities.

Councillor A Burlton stated that there were 10 parking spaces on site, which equated to one per unit.  He also pointed out that users of the site may park in nearby roads.  He concluded that the Committee couldn’t reasonably refuse the application on the basis of insufficient car parking provision.

Councillor M Newman referred to paragraph 7.15 of the Officers report.  He commented that, if it was the case that the on site parking was allocated to various parts of the building and the management and enforcement of that car parking was the responsibility of the freeholder or a management company, then he was comfortable with that arrangement.

Councillor G Jones referred to the often chaotic situation regarding car parking at Millers Three.  He commented that the other uses of the site, such as the nightclub and restaurants and takeaways, were not the most compatible with a residential use.  He stated that the purchasers of the residential units would, however, be aware of those uses.

Councillor G Jones expressed concern over the conversion of offices to residential where 16 month business lets had been unsuccessful during a recession.  He stated that if too many units were lost to residential use then this would be to the disadvantage of Bishop’s Stortford during periods of economic recovery.

Councillor G Jones stated that, if the whole area became a mix of the current uses on the site, then this change of character would be detrimental to a listed building with an industrial heritage.  He sought reassurance from Officers regarding the likely scale of residential development in future on this site.

The Director advised that 10 car parking spaces were proposed and the Council’s Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) on car parking stipulated a requirement for a maximum of 12.5 spaces.

Members were advised that, if the building was used as Offices, then 13 spaces would be required.  Officers felt therefore that a reason for refusal on car parking could not be justified as this application would not result in an increase in demand for car parking on the site.

The Director advised that, regarding the issue of noise, Environmental Health Officers had requested a condition requiring that details of sound insulation shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

The Director stated that Government guidance centred on making the best use of underused accommodation in town centres.  Members were advised that new legislation had come into effect regarding permitted development rights and that, in future, such changes of use could be carried out without planning permission where a building was not listed.  Officers had additional control over this site as there was a listed building involved. Nevertheless, those permitted development rights were a material consideration

The Director advised that, whilst the character of Millers Three would change slightly, Officers felt that the proposed scale of the development was acceptable in terms of NPPF policy, as the overall industrial heritage of this area would not be adversely affected as there would remain a good mix of uses on the site.  Members were reminded that they would have control over any further development on the site.

After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the Committee supported the recommendations of the Director of Neighbourhood Services as now submitted.

RESOLVED – that in respect of applications 3/13/0279/FP and 3/13/0280/LB, planning permission and listed building consent be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report now submitted.